When someone lifts the roof from a Kelulut (box-style) bee hive, plunges a straw into the comb and offers you a taste, you very well don’t turn that experience down. This is how I found myself eye to eye with some very busy but nonchalant bees. I obviously wasn’t the first human they had seen up close and personal, but they were certainly the first Stingless Bees in Malaysia that I had ever seen in such proximity. Much less any (hive guarding) honey bees for that matter. My visit to Langkawi Black Bee Farm turned out to be much more than I had bargained for and a fascinating glimpse of a Malaysian made product with huge commercial potential; Malaysian Stingless Bees and their honey.
Most everyone knows what honey looks and tastes like. And honey bees? Most definitely. An insect renowned throughout history as a symbol of a strong work ethic and superior time management often synonymously compared by those of us with hectic schedules, ‘I’m busy as a bee.” But mention Malaysian Stingless Bees or Stingless Bee Honey and you’re guaranteed to get a few quizzical looks.
With over 500 species of stingless bees buzzing around the world, you’ve probably already unknowingly encountered these fascinating insects. In Malaysia alone there are reportedly 30 known species of stingless bees (known in Malay as lebah kelulut). Langkawi Black Bee Farm specializes in Trigona bees; the Trigona itama being the largest of the species and the Trigona minima, the smallest.
Malaysian Stingless Bees Honey
The honey from stingless bees is not what you would expect. The taste is slightly sour. The closest I can compare it to would be a cider vinegar aftertaste. A couple of years ago I purchased a bottle from a charismatic moto-vendor I had encountered at a bus stop. I later took a swig from the bottle and immediately spit the honey out. I had thought it was spoiled or ‘fake’. Later enlightenment had me shaking my head in regret as I had tossed the 55ringgit worth of prime Malaysian Stingless Bee Honey in the trash. Stingless Bee Honey may be an acquired taste, but one does not toss it in the trash!
Health Benefits of Stingless Bee Honey
The reason the honey has such an unusual taste is that the walls of the bee hives are made from propolis (bee glue), not wax. Propolis is a mix of bee saliva and beeswax gathered from the usual botanical sources; flowers, tree sap, plant resin, etc. It’s used to seal holes in the hive, but the anti-microbial properties of the propolis also seep into the honey. This increases fermentation of the honey, thus the sour taste. But along with this is an increase in health benefits. Studies have shown that the natural antioxidant properties of honey increase (even more) after fermentation.
It’s not just the unique taste of honey that sets these Malaysian Stingless Bees apart, but the ‘honeycombs’ themselves. They look downright alien and are created, again not from wax, but from the propolis itself. A closer look reveals an intricate web of tiny honey pots created from a rainbow of different colored plant resins.
Environmental Benefits of Malaysian Stingless Bees
Malaysian farmers are finding that stingless bees are of great benefit to their crop production. Stingless bees have a flight range of about 500-meters which keeps them generally close to home. Some Malaysian farmers are now keeping stingless bee hives primarily for the concentrated pollination services of the industrious insects. Their honey bee cousins, however, have a flight range of about 2 kilometers, enabling them to take their pollinating roadshow down the street or to someone else’s orchard or farm.
Also, notable, is that stingless bees are now being credited with contributing billions in ringgit to the national forestry industry as the top pollinators of valuable trees such as the Meranti and Cengal.
Sustainability Issues
Due to increased popularity, new beekeepers are now being educated on more sustainable ways of transferring their initial bee hives from the jungle to another location. The easiest method, is of course cutting down the tree and taking tree and hives away in one neat package. Unfortunately, this is not sustainable and in fact will affect the neighboring flora which needs the stingless bees for pollination (including those valuable Meranti trees).
Stingless Bees in Malaysia can be divided into two groups; one group can be successfully bred and kept in boxes while the other needs to be left in their natural jungle environment. The two species that thrive in boxes in Malaysia are the Trigona. More specifically, the Geniotrigona thoracica and Heterotrigona itama.
The sustainable way is not especially labor intensive and is more economical as well as eco-friendly. And that is to basically breed the bees in hives and then split the hives up, creating more hives. The only trick apparently is that the hives need to be divided in such manner that each new hive has a queen. And believe it or not, that happens naturally. ‘Queens’ are created from larva which are fed the most. A split hive will choose a lucky larva and commence to fattening up their future leader with the infamous ‘royal jelly’. Big, bold and beautiful if you will.
You may have already heard about Honey Hunters in Malaysia. Those honey hunters are all together a different entity from the stingless bee honey market. In fact, those (Asiatic Honey Bees) sting and the process of harvesting their honey is dangerous. You can read more about them HERE
If you are interested in learning more about Stingless Bees in Malaysia or would like to purchase Langkawi-made Stingless Bee Honey. You can visit the Langkawi Black Bee Farm or contact them directly to arrange for a tour or to purchase honey.
Langkawi Black Bee Farm
Jalan Durian Perangin
Ayer Hangat, Langkawi, Kedah
Open: 9:00am until 6:00pm
Tel: 012-476 1458
Directions
Whatsapp to 0124761458, to arrange for delivery
Such an interesting topic. Had no idea there were stingless bees. They’re such intelligent insects — I love them!!
I didn’t know there were such things as stingless bees and over 500 species of them! But I love my traditional honey and don’t know I would be able to acquire that taste. But healthier would draw me in! And they are great pollinators!
This was a fascinating look into something I knew nothing about. It is very strange that the honey has a sour taste. But after reading your explanation, it explains why this honey also has natural antioxidant properties, I might just try it for its health benefits!
Yes Linda, I find the sour taste ‘reason’ to be very intriguing. I had never known why honey was considered a healthy food until I did this research. Not just about natural sugar but the propolis. And honestly the Stingless Bee honey was less of a shock during my second tasting since my taste buds were prepared for it. It’s still sweet, it’s just not as super sweet as regular honey.
Wow that is one informative post! I had no idea that there’s a species of bees called Stingless Bees and they’re different from the usual bees in so many ways including the way the honey that comes from them tastes! It’s interesting to read the process of making honey and also how these Stingless Bees are benefiting the environment.
Hey Medha, thanks for reading it. I know it’s a bit of an odd topic for a travel blogger, but I have a thing for cottage industries and agrotourism. I do hope more tourist will be interested to visit and learn more about these honey bees and their super healthy (but slightly weird tasting) honey. I was most fortunate to have realized I had the opportunity right here in Langkawi, but I have definitely seen the hives in other parts of Malaysia and Thailand as well.
This is quite new to me, stingless bees! I bet I’ll throw away the honey like you if it wasn’t sweet without second thought. Lol. Buts it’s nice to be educated on this topic and klm try to watch out fronhiney from stingless bees. The distance is quite far, I might have ordered one out of curiousity. And I’ll love a visit to the her farm to see the 500 species, it’ll be an interesting sight.
Hi Lydia, I wouldn’t be surprised if the honey has made it to the nutrition & health food stores by now. With 500 species around the world, you may have already encountered them and not known it.
A very interesting article. I must look out for some of this honey. They also have some stingless bees at the Kraft Komplex.
Hey Lesley, thanks! Yes I saw the hives at the Kraft Komplex, but the owner from the Black Bee Farm told me that guy may not be doing it anymore. It was by pure chance I happen to run into a public works guy who told me about the Stingless Bees. (I honestly didn’t believe there was such a thing, but I lived to tell the tale :D) The Black Bee Farm is located near the beginning of the road to Durian Falls. right hand side.
Stingless bee! If you could see me, I would have the exact quizzical look you talk about. I wonder if it is the sting that make honey sweet! :) :) . I think this would be an exact thing I would love to explore up-close. It is good to know that Langkawians (if there is such a word) are nurturing huge colonies of bees. As we all know that bees are one of the biggest reasons for the existence of forests..
Nisha, I had no idea they held such an important role in the forest. It makes me think many areas who are dealing with deforestation issues should start looking at bees for economic reasons as well as ecological support. Impressive little buggars!
This is awesome! I love trying new experiences, although putting my face into a beehive might push the limit, even knowing they don’t sting. I didn’t hear anything about these when I was in Malaysia. I like hearing how the bees have boosted the local economy.
Thanks Skye, I’m hoping agrotourism will get more attention in the coming year. This Stingless Bee thing is totally new to me although I have been seeing their hives around for years. I truly thought they were just regular bees in cute tiny houses. What a surprise! :D
The close ups are not very appealing at all. Sounds interesting though. Bees that don’t sting too. I would try the honey.
Agree! Looks so weird. :D
Wow, what an interesting post! I had no idea there were stingless bees and that their honey was so healthy. With the growth in popularity, I’m glad that farmers are finding a way to breed them sustainably.
Thanks Vicky and Buddy! Yes, I never understood why honey was considered ‘healthy’. I thought it was just because of the natural sweetener. But that Propolis is the real power food. It was fascinating to read about while researching.
Hey Vanessa, thanks for offering off the beaten things to in Langkawi. I have spent on this island about 10 days and never noticed this place. I have some idea that stingless bees. exist, also in Czech Republic we have got some farmers focusing on this area, however on this exotic place is rather a rarity!
Hey Veronika, Apparently stingless bees are all over the world and two of those 500 species are indigenous to Malaysia. Langkawi is always surprising me with little hidden gems like this. Lots of off the beaten path things to do here for sure.
Fascinating! I will be off to visit those bees asap! Hope the Bee farm is still there. Great article. Thanks.
Thanks! You may need to wait until after Ramadan, but worth the wait. They are fascinating critters.